Glossary

Glossary

activating: A security measure that requires you to validate your copy of Windows Vista online or by telephone within 30 days of first use.

ActiveX control: A set of technologies that enables software components to interact with one another in a networked environment, regardless of the language in which the components were created.

Address bar: In Windows Explorer, a text box containing the navigation path to the current folder, beginning with the Windows symbol representing the overall Windows storage structure. The arrow after each folder name links to a list of its subfolders. In Windows Internet Explorer, a text box containing the Web address of the currently displayed Web page.

administrative privileges: The highest level of permissions that can be granted to a user account. A computer administrator can perform tasks affecting the computer and all the user accounts on it. Administrative privileges are required to perform any tasks relating to or affecting computer security.

aspect ratio: In computer displays and graphics, the ratio of the width of an image or image area to its height.

Audio Description: A Windows Vista accessibility program that narrates videos as they play, if this feature is available within the video file.

autorun file: A file that automatically starts an installation program when you insert the installation disc or browse to the folder containing it.

background tabs: In Internet Explorer tabbed browsing, a page tab that opens in the background, so that the tab you are currently working with stays in the foreground.

backing up: The process of creating a copy of your files somewhere other than on your computer so that you can restore them if an event such as a virus attack, hard disk failure, theft of a laptop, fire, or other loss should occur.

bitmap (BMP): A data structure in memory that represents information in the form of a collection of individual bits. A bitmap image represents images as dots, or pixels, on the screen and is saved in the bitmap (.bmp) format.

blog: Short for Weblog. A personal Web site created for the purpose of sharing information and opinions with other Internet users. Blogs range from personal diaries and ways for communities to keep in touch to sources of information on a specific topic.

BMP: See bitmap (BMP).

browser: See Web browser.

browsing: Navigating through a folder hierarchy, for example in a dialog box or in Windows Explorer, to select a folder or file.

burning: Copying a file, such as an image or audio file, to a CD or DVD.

byte: A unit of information that is the equivalent of one character.

cable: A type of broadband Internet connection that uses cable television lines. Access speeds vary greatly, with a maximum speed of 10 megabits per second (Mbps).

caching: The process of storing information in a computer's memory, or storing a Web page on a computer's hard disk, for rapid retrieval at a later time.

CD key: A unique combination of letters and numbers that identifies a product license.

clicking: The action of pressing and releasing the primary mouse button.

command: An instruction to the computer's operating system.

compressing: To reduce the size of a set of data, such as a file or a communications message, so that it can be stored in less space or transmitted with less bandwidth.

computer system: A complete, working computer, including the hardware, the operating system, and any other software or peripheral devices that are necessary to make the computer function.

content pane: Displays files and folders stored in the currently selected folder or storage device.

context menu: A context-sensitive menu of commands that appears when you right-click an item.

credentials: The user name and password you use to connect to a domain, Web site, folder, or other secure location.

defragmentation: The process of consolidating data stored on a hard disk drive into contiguous chunks, for the purpose of increasing file access speed.

desktop: An on-screen work area that uses icons and menus to simulate the top of a desk.

desktop shortcuts: See shortcuts.

device driver: A software component that permits a computer system to communicate with a device.

DHCP server: A computer running the Microsoft DHCP service, which allows IP addresses to change as needed.

dialog box: A window that contains buttons and various kinds of options through which the user can carry out a particular command or task.

dial-up connection: A connection from your computer to another computer using two modems and an ordinary telephone line. The remote computer usually belongs to the Internet service provider (ISP) with whom you have set up your user account.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): A type of high-speed Internet connection using standard telephone wires; also referred to as a broadband connection..

Disk Cleanup: A program that frees up space on your hard disk by removing downloaded program files, temporary files, and offline files; compressing old files; and emptying the Recycle Bin.

Disk Defragmenter: A program that analyzes all the data stored on your hard disk and then consolidates fragmented files into contiguous chunks. The benefits are faster file access and larger areas of available space in which to store new files.

DLL: See dynamic-link library (DLL).

DNS: See domain name system.

docking: To move a toolbar to the edge of an application window so that it attaches to and becomes a part of the application window.

domain: A logical (rather than physical) group of resourcescomputers, servers, and other hardware deviceson a network, that are centrally administered through Microsoft Windows Server.

domain name system (DNS): The hierarchical system by which hosts on the Internet have both domain name addresses and IP addresses. The domain name address is used by human users and is automatically translated into the numerical IP address, which is used by the packet-routing software.

double-clicking: The process of pressing and releasing the primary mouse button twice in quick succession to give the computer a command.

dragging: The process of moving an item to another place on the screen by selecting the item and then pressing and holding down the mouse button while moving the mouse.

driver: See device driver.

DSL: See digital subscriber line (DSL).

dynamic-link library (DLL): An operating system feature that allows executable routines to be stored separately as files with DLL extensions and to be loaded only when needed by a program.

Easy Transfer Cable: A USB cable that connects two computers together.

executable file: A program file that can be run. Files that have .exe extensions are executable.

expansion slot: A socket in a computer, designed to hold expansion boards and connect them to the system bus (data pathway) as a means of adding or enhancing the computer's features and capabilities.

external peripherals: Devices installed by connecting them to ports without having to open up your computer. Examples are your computer's monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers.

Filter Keys: A keyboard feature that causes Windows to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, or slows the repeat rate.

fragmentation: The scattering of parts of the same file over different areas of the disk. Fragmentation occurs as files on a disk are deleted and new files are added. It slows disk access and degrades the overall performance of disk operations, although usually not severely.

gadget: A device displayed in Windows Sidebar that provides constantly updated information, such as the time.

GB: See gigabyte (GB).

GIF: See graphics interchange format (GIF).

gigabyte (GB): 1,024 megabytes, though often interpreted as approximately one billion bytes.

Graphic Interchange Format (GIF): A graphics file format developed by CompuServe and used for transmitting raster images on the Internet. An image in this format may contain up to 256 colors, including a transparent color. The size of the file depends on the number of colors actually used.

graphical user interface (GUI): User interface incorporating visual elements such as a desktop, icons, and menus.

group: An account that contains other accounts, called members. Permissions and rights granted to a group are also granted to its members.

hacker: A person who attempts to gain access to computers or software programs through illegal means, often with the malicious intent of damaging computer data through the introduction of a virus.

hardware: The physical components of a computer system, including any peripheral equipment such as printers, modems, and mouse devices.

High Contrast: A program that changes the display of your screen from the usual muted Windows colors to a starker color scheme to make individual items on the screen stand out more from others.

home page: In Internet Explorer, the page or pages that open automatically when you start your browser. For Web sites, the first page displayed when you connect to a site.

hub: In a network, a device joining communication lines at a central location, providing a common connection to all devices on the network.

hyperlink: A link from a text or graphic element to another location in the document, to another document, or to a Web page.

icon: A small image displayed on the screen to represent an object that can be manipulated by the user. Icons serve as visual mnemonics and are used to control certain computer actions without the user having to remember commands or enter them through the keyboard.

IEEE 1394: A port used for the high-speed transfer of audio and video data.

Information Bar: A bar that appears at the top of the Internet Explorer content pane, notifying you when potentially risky actions, such as downloading an ActiveX control, require your permission to continue.

input language: A Regional And Language Options setting that specifies the combination of the language being entered and the keyboard layout, IME, speech-to-text converter, or other device being used to enter it.

instant messaging (IM): A real-time electronic communication system that allows you to "chat" with contacts by typing in a window on your computer screen.

internal peripherals: Devices that have to be installed inside your computer. The internal component might be in the form of a card that provides a new connection at the back of the computer, or it might be a new hard disk drive, DVD drive, or tape backup drive that is accessed from the front of the computer.

Internet protocol (IP) address: See IP address.

Internet service provider (ISP): A business that supplies Internet connectivity services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations.

IP address: A 32-bit address used to identify a node on an IP network. Each node on the IP network must be assigned a unique IP address, which is made up of the network ID and a unique host ID. This address is typically represented with the decimal value of each 8 bits separated by a period (for example, 192.168.7.27).

ISDN: A digital phone line used to provide a high-bandwidth Internet connection. An ISDN line must be installed by the telephone company at both the calling site and the called site.

ISP: See Internet service provider (ISP).

Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG): An image compression mechanism designed for compressing either full-color or grayscale still images. It works well on photographs, naturalistic artwork, and similar material. Images saved in this format have .jpg or .jpeg file extensions.

JPEG: See Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG).

KB: See kilobyte (KB).

keyboard shortcut: A combination of keys that when pressed will quickly perform an action within an application that would normally require several user actions, such as menu selections.

kilobyte (KB): 1,024 bytes of data storage; in reference to data transfer rates, 1,000 bytes.

LAN: See local area network (LAN).

license terms: The terms defining the legal relationship between you and the manufacturer of a software program, the terms under which you may use the software, and the extent of the manufacturer's liability, that you must agree to before installing or running a software program.

local area network (LAN): The process of connecting to a computer on your network that has been set up to provide Internet access; connections to upstream providers are handled for you by that computer.

local printer: A printer that is connected directly to your computer.

local/locally: A term referring to the computer you are currently using.

locking: Making your Windows desktop inaccessible to other people; most effective when your user account is protected by a password.

logging off: The process of disconnecting a computer from a network domain without affecting other users' sessions.

logging on: The process of starting a computer session.

Magnifier: See Microsoft Magnifier.

mapping a drive: The process of assigning a drive letter to a specific computer or shared folder on your network. This is commonly done to create a constant connection to a network share but can also be used to maintain a connection to an Internet location.

MB: See megabyte (MB).

megabyte (MB): 1,024 kilobytes of data storage; in reference to data transfer rates, 1,000 kilobytes.

menu bar: The toolbar from which users can access the menus of commands.

Microsoft Magnifier: A Windows Vista accessibility program that opens a magnification panel in which the screen under the mouse pointer is displayed, magnified up to nine times. You can adjust the size and location of the magnification panel.

Microsoft Narrator: A Windows Vista accessibility tool that converts on-screen text to spoken audio in order to read menu commands, dialog box options, and other screen features out loud. It also reads keystrokes as they're typed and identifies the location as you move around.

Microsoft Paint: A drawing program with which users can create simple or elaborate drawings. These drawings can be either black and white or color, and can be saved as bitmap files. It can also be used to work with .jpg and .gif files. Paint pictures can be pasted into another document, or used as a desktop background.

Microsoft Windows Firewall: A built-in firewall in Windows Vista that protects you from dangerous software and unwanted communications.

Microsoft Windows Update: A utility that scans your computer, confers with the Microsoft Update online database, and recommends or installs any updates that are available for your operating system, your software programs, or your hardware.

middleware: A type of software that connects two or more otherwise separate applications, which could be software programs or system applications.

modem: A device that allows computer information to be transmitted and received over a telephone line. The transmitting modem translates digital computer data into analog signals that can be carried over a phone line. The receiving modem translates the analog signals back to digital form.

Mouse Keys: A Windows Vista accessibility tool that allows you to move the cursor around the screen by pressing the Arrow keys on the numeric keypad.

Narrator: See Microsoft Narrator.

Navigation pane: Displays your personal folders and when you expand the Folders list, displays a hierarchical view of the entire storage structure of your computer.

network: A group of computers that communicate with each other through a wired or wireless connection.

network printer: A printer that is not connected directly to your computer. Instead, you access the printer through a network or workgroup as a free-standing networked printer, through someone else's computer, through a print server, or through a printer hub.

network share: A folder on a different computer on your network.

newsgroup: A collection of messages posted by individuals to a news server (a computer that can host thousands of newsgroups).

Notepad: A basic text editor used to create simple documents or Web pages.

notification area: The area on the taskbar to the right of the taskbar buttons that displays information about the status of programs, including those running in the background (programs you don't need to interact with), as well as links to certain system commands.

OEM: See original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

On-Screen Keyboard: A Windows Vista tool that displays a visual representation of a keyboard from which you can select individual keys by using your mouse, pen, or other device.

operating system: The underlying program that tells your computer what to do and how to do it. The operating system coordinates interactions among the computer system components, acts as the interface between you and your computer, enables your computer to communicate with other computers and peripheral devices, and interacts with programs installed on your computer.

original equipment manufacturer (OEM): The maker of a piece of equipment.

Paint: See Microsoft Paint.

parallel port: An input/output connector that sends and receives data 8 bits at a time, in parallel, between a computer and a peripheral device.

password: A security measure used to restrict access to user accounts, computer systems, and resources. A password is a unique string of characters that must be provided before access is authorized.

password reset disk: A disk (or other piece of removable media, such as a USB flash drive) created by the user from within Windows Vista. When a password has been forgotten or lost, the disk allows the user to create a new password.

path: The route followed by the operating system through the directories in finding, sorting, and retrieving files on a disk.

peripheral device: A device, such as a disk drive, printer, modem, or joystick, that is connected to a computer and is controlled by the computer's microprocessor.

personal folder: A folder that you open by clicking your user name at the top of the Start menu. You can save documents, spreadsheets, graphics, and other files in your personal folder. As you work on your computer and personalize Windows, it saves information and settings specific to your individual user profile in this folder.

pinned programs area: A special area at the top of the left side of the Start menu to which users can drag program icons and shortcuts.

pixel: The individual dots that make up the picture displayed on your computer. Each pixel displays one color. See also screen resolution.

play list: A compilation of tracks from various CDs and other sources.

Plug and Play: A phrase meaning that the operating system can locate any necessary drivers itself.

PNG: See Portable Network Graphics (PNG).

pointing: Moving the mouse pointer over an object.

POP3: See Post Office Protocol 3 (Pop3).

pop-up: The small Web browser window that opens on top of (or sometimes below) the Web browser window when you display a Web site or click an advertising link.

port: An interface through which data is transferred between a computer and other devices, a network, or a direct connection to another computer.

Portable Network Graphics (PNG): A file format for bitmapped graphic images, designed to be a replacement for the GIF format, without the legal restrictions associated with GIF.

Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3): A popular protocol used for receiving e-mail messages. This protocol is often used by ISPs. In contrast to IMAP servers, which provide access to multiple server-side folders, POP3 servers allow access to a single inbox.

primary display: In a multi-monitor setup, the monitor that includes the Windows logon screen and the taskbar.

printer driver: A software program designed to enable other programs to work with a particular printer without concerning themselves with the specifics of the printer's hardware and internal language.

product key: A unique combination of letters and numbers that identifies a program's product license.

program icon: See icon.

program shortcut: See shortcut.

Quick Launch toolbar: A customizable toolbar optionally displayed on the Windows taskbar, from which users can or start programs or utilities with a single click.

recently opened programs list: A list on the Start menu of the last several programs started by the user.

Recycle Bin: The place where Windows temporarily stores files you delete. When the Recycle Bin is empty, the icon depicts an empty trash can; when you delete items (but don't empty the Recycle Bin), the icon depicts pieces of paper in the trash can.

remote access server: A host on a LAN that is equipped with modems so that users can connect to the network over telephone lines.

remote assistance: A convenient way for a friend or trusted person to connect to a local computer from a remote computer and help troubleshoot a problem. To protect your computer from unauthorized access, the invitation is valid for a specific length of timefrom 1 minute to 99 daysand can require a password, which is sent separately.

Remote Desktop: A means of accessing a Windows session that is running on one computer from another computer.

restore point: A snapshot of your computer system settings taken by Windows Vista at regular intervals as well as prior to any major change such as installing a program or updating system files. If you experience problems with your system, you can restore it to any saved restore point without undoing changes to your personal files.

right-clicking: The action of pressing and releasing the secondary mouse button.

root: The highest or uppermost level in a hierarchically organized set of information. The root is the point from which subsets branch in a logical sequence that moves from a broad or general focus to narrower perspectives.

root directory: The place where folders and files are stored directly on a drive. The root directory often contains system files that should not be modified or moved in any way.

router: A device connecting computers on a network or connecting multiple networks, that receives data and forwards it.

screen resolution: The fineness of detail attained by a monitor in producing an image, measured in pixels, expressed as the number of pixels wide by the number of pixels high. See also pixels.

screen saver: Static or moving images that are displayed on your computer after some period of inactivity.

ScreenTip: The small text box that appears when pointing to an icon (positioning the mouse pointer over it), and contains identifying information.

secondary display: In a multi-monitor setup, the monitor on to which you can expand programs so that you can expand your work area.

shared drive: A drive that has been made available for other people on a network to access.

shared folder: A folder that has been made available for other people on a network to access.

shortcut: An icon on the desktop that a user can double-click to immediately access a program, a text or data file, or a Web page.

shortcut menu: See context menu.

shutting down: A process that closes all your open applications and files, ends your computing session, closes network connections, stops system processes, stops the hard disk, and turns off the computer.

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): A member of a suite of protocols that governs the exchange of electronic mail between message transfer agents.

Sleep mode: A Windows Vista feature that saves any open files and the state of any running programs to memory and to your hard disk, and then puts your computer into a power-saving state.

SMTP: See Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

software: See software programs.

software piracy: The illegal reproduction and distribution of software applications.

sound card: A type of expansion board on PC-compatible computers that allows the playback and recording of sound.

Sound Sentry: A Windows Vista feature that flashes the screen element you specify (your choices are the active caption bar, active window, or desktop) every time the system's built-in speaker plays a sound.

Speech Recognition: Allows you to control Windows, control open programs, and dictate text by speaking into a microphone.

Start menu: A list of options that is your central link to all the programs installed on your computer, as well as to all the tasks you can carry out with Windows Vista.

Sticky Keys: A Windows Vista accessibility feature that makes it easier to use the keyboard with one hand by causing the Ctrl, Shift, and Alt keys to "stick" down until you press the next key.

surfing the Web: To browse information on the Internet.

switch box: An enclosure that contains a selector switch. It looks similar to a hub but allows only one active connection at a time.

system cache: An area in computer memory where Windows Vista stores information it might need to access quickly.

system date: The current date according to the operating system.

system folders: The folders created when Windows Vista was installed. The folders are Program Files, Users, and Windows. See the index to locate specific information about each of these folders.

system time: The current time according to the operating system. The system time controls a number of behind-the-scenes settings and is also used by Windows and your programs to maintain an accurate record of happenings on your computer.

tabbed browsing: A feature in Internet Explorer with which you can browse different Web sites on different tabs, easily and quickly switching between them.

tabs: Multiple windows located within the Internet Explorer program window that can each display a different Web site.

task pane: A fixed pane that appears on one side of a program window, containing options related to the completion of a specific task.

Task Scheduler: Program with which you can schedule regular hard disk maintenance tasks.

taskbar: Displays buttons you can click to run programs, utilities, and commands, as well as buttons representing the windows of open programs and files.

taskbar buttons: Buttons on the taskbar representing each open window, file, or program.

theme: A set of visual elements that applies a unified look for the computer desktop. Each theme can include a desktop background color or picture; a color scheme that affects title bars and labels; specific fonts used on title bars, labels, and buttons; sounds associated with specific actions; and other elements.

tilt-wheel mouse: A mouse that incorporates a wheel that scrolls not only vertically, but also horizontally.

time server: A computer that periodically synchronizes the time on all computers within a network. This ensures that the time used by network services and local functions remains accurate.

title bar: The horizontal bar at the top of a window that contains the name of the window. On many windows, the title bar also contains the program icon, the Maximize, Minimize, and Close buttons, and the optional question mark button for context-sensitive Help. To display a menu with commands such as Restore and Move, right-click the title bar.

Toggle Keys: A Windows Vista accessibility feature that sounds an audio signal when you press the Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock key. A high-pitched sound plays when the keys are activated, and a low-pitched sound plays when the keys are deactivated.

toolbar: Presents menus and buttons specific to the content of the current window. When more buttons are available than can be shown, a chevron (>>) appears at the right end of the toolbar; clicking the chevron displays a list of other commands.

turning off: The process of shutting down Windows so users can safely turn off the computer power. Many computers turn the power off automatically.

UI: See user interface (UI).

UNC: See Universal Naming Convention (UNC).

Uniform Resource Locator (URL): An address for a resource on the Internet. URLs are used by Web browsers to locate Internet resources.

Universal Naming Convention (UNC): The system of naming files among computers on a network so that a file on a given computer will have the same path when accessed from any of the other computers on the network.

Universal Serial Bus (USB): A connection that provides both data transfer capabilities and power to a peripheral device.

upgrading: The process of updating your computer's operating system files to a newer version, without disturbing information that is stored on your computer, such as documents, spreadsheets, and data files.

URL: See Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

USB: See Universal Serial Bus (USB).

USB flash drive: A portable flash memory card that plugs into a computer's USB port and stores up to 2 GB of data.

user account: On a secure or multi-user computer system, an established means for an individual to gain access to the system and its resources.

User Account Control: A Windows Vista security feature that requires specific acknowledgment and an administrator password when accessing settings that could disrupt your computer or affect its users.

user account name: See user name.

user account picture: An individual graphic representing a specific computer user account. User account pictures are available only on computers that are members of a workgroup or are stand-alone, and are not available on computers that are members of a network domain.

user interface (UI): The portion of a software program with which a user interacts.

user name: A unique name identifying a user's account to Windows. An account's user name must be unique among the other group names and user names within its own domain or workgroup.

user profile: A computer-based record maintained about an authorized user of a multi-user computer system. It describes the way the computer environment looks and operates for that particular user.

users: A collective term used to refer to people who use computers.

utility: A small program that provides additional features to the computer user; for example, the Magnifier utility that enlarges a portion of the screen in a separate window.

virtual private network (VPN): The extension of a private network. VPN connections provide remote access and routed connections to private networks over the Internet.

virus: A program that infects computer files or other programs by inserting copies of itself into the files, and might execute some harmful or inconvenient action. A program that inserts itself into an e-mail program and sends copies of itself to everyone in the address book is an example of a virus.

VPN: See virtual private network (VPN).

Web: An abbreviated term for World Wide Web; a worldwide network consisting of millions of smaller networks that send and receive data among each other.

Web browser: Software that lets a user view HTML documents.

Welcome screen: The screen that appears when you start your computer, containing links to each of the active user accounts.

wildcard character: A keyboard character that can be used to represent one or many characters when conducting a query. The question mark (?) represents a single character, and the asterisk (*) represents any number of characters.

window: A portion of the screen where programs and processes can be run. Users can open several windows at the same time. Windows can be closed, resized, moved, minimized to a button on the taskbar, or maximized to take up the whole screen.

Windows Classic: The menu style found in Windows 2000 and earlier. If you are unable to adjust to the changed look of the Windows Vista menu, you have the option of changing back to the Classic version.

Windows Defender: A Windows Vista security feature that helps you detect software that might pose a potential threat to your privacy or your computer..

Windows Easy Transfer: A program that leads you step by step through the process of transferring files to a new computer.

Windows Experience Index: Measures hardware and assigns a base score that reflects the lowest of a set of subscores for your processor, memory, graphics card, and hard disk.

Windows Firewall: A Windows Vista security feature that helps you prevent unauthorized transmissions to and from your computer.

Windows ReadyBoost: A Windows Vista feature that makes it possible to increase the available system memory by using USB flash drives as memory-expansion devices.

Windows Security Center: A Windows Vista security feature that monitors the types of protection on your system.

Windows Sidebar: A desktop pane that keeps useful tools and current information readily accessible.

Windows Update: See Microsoft Windows Update.

wizard: A program that walks you through the steps necessary to accomplish a particular task.

workgroup: A logical group of computers that is not centrally administered but communicates through a network.